Yoga
The history of Yoga goes so long back that no one is really certain when it all started. There is so much information about Yoga, its history, the various branches, the terminology and so much more on the internet, books, magazines…you name it. So, I will stop right here. What I will do instead is talk about YOlga, my own approach in the world of holistic exercise.
I have kept the basic elements of Yoga which are power, balance and flexibility, and have gotten rid of the religious parameters. I keep incorporating moves from different disciplines: tai-chi, dance, callenetics…everything which I think can contribute to the better quality of movement and strengthening of the body. And that’s how YOlga, my interpretation of what is Yoga was born.
Pilates
The Pilates system was created in the 20th century by the German Joseph H. Pilates. The original repertoire consists of 34 exercises that were later enriched from different teachers adding their own variations. In every form and style what is known as “the powerhouse” (abdominals, lower dorsal and gluts) is the centre around which every exercise is structured. Pilates can either be practiced on the floor, using different sized balls or the specially designed equipment. The technique when executing the repertoire is what makes the difference, therefore excellent guidance from the instructor is essential.
Acro Yoga
Acro-yoga is, as the name suggests, a fusion of Yoga and Acrobatics. It sometimes incorporates Thai massage and dance or performance elements. Some describe it as an advanced type of partner yoga but it can be as simple or as complicated as the partners choose.
There are two main schools of Acroyoga: Acroyoga Montreal, led by Jessie Goldberg and Eugene Poku, and Acroyoga Inc. founded in California by Jason Nemer and Jenny Klein. Their main principle is to build human connections through the fun process of trying to move or be moved with someone else.